Meet Florence Niven of Nivenglassoriginals.
You can visit her wonderful shop here:
How many years have you been an artist?
I can't remember when I wasn't drawing. I always knew I was going to be an artist, it was just a matter of making it happen. I have been a Graphic Designer since 1983. Along with my freelance design work, I was an illustrator for a greeting card company for ten years, and I organized art workshops for various area schools for 7 years. I left that all behind me when I took my first stained glass course. I am now working full time as a glass artist.
How many years have you worked with glass?
I took my first stained glass course in 2000. The first project that I completed was the last time I used someone else's pattern. I approach my glass designs as I approach any new design challenge - taking into consideration the limitations and restrictions of glass and working around them.
What triggers ideas for new projects?
I am seldom without a sketch book, or at least a scrap of paper. I've been doing this long enough to know that inspiration comes from all over - a passage from a book, a walk in the park, design magazines, fashion, movies. My background as a graphic designer informs how I see things; my designs tend to be clean and precise - less is definitely more. But I also like to keep a sense of humor in my work - I don't take myself too seriously.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
I used to panic about the 'next' idea when I was working with a greeting card deadline - very much a 'hurry up and wait' environment - hurry up with the illustration; wait for the decision from the art director. I eventually just started trusting that the ideas would come to me. I have notebooks all over the house - in my car - in my purse. I'm always scribbling ideas that I may work with eventually, or that may trigger another direction for my work. The advantage of working for myself is that I give myself time to fully realize my ideas, and permission to rework them until they are exactly the way I want them to be.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I usually work an 8:30 am - 3 pm day. However, this is not really work that you can 'leave at the office' - especially when the office is just downstairs. I often work on new ideas or finish projects at night.
Do you create daily?
Absolutely! A day when I am not creative is not a good day.
How important is it for you to create art?
See above! ; ) It is extremely important for me to be creative - and to work on my own. I don't like being told what to do - (I'm a virgo) - I like having full creative control. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to do what I love to do. I appreciate every sale that I make because it allows me to continue being creative.
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I think you have to be willing to adapt if you are choosing to be a full time artist - it's not an easy path. If the work isn't along one path, change directions. It also helps to have a supportive partner who values what you do and is there as a safety net and cheerleader in the lean times. Choosing to be a glass artist full time was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The fact that I am able to wake up each morning and know that I will be creative that day is a blessing.
Describe your studio.
I have 3 work areas. A drafting table in my 'clean' studio with a light table and a huge window, where I design my pieces. In the glass area, I have 2 large work surfaces - one for cutting and grinding the glass - the messy work, and one for finishing the pieces - adding the findings, beading etc. I have a tiny - Easy Bake Oven size - kiln that's ancient, and that I use rarely these days, and another large floor kiln that I use all the time. I have a radio in each area, and have been known to crank up the occasional tune, put down my cutting tools, and dance around my studio - another advantage of working alone.
Tell me something about you.
I am married to an incredibly supportive husband who gets this whole creative thing! We just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We have two sons - Chris and Ben - both in university.
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2 comments:
Florence's work is so well crafted and precise. She has a great eye for design and her Divas have so much personality! She also packages her work beautifully. Oh, and she's a pretty great person to boot!
Oh, this was fun to read! I have had Nivenglassoriginals in my Etsy faves forever!! Love her work, so it was fun to read about her.
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